One of the reason why I like visiting Japan so much is their lunch bento box. The variety is huge and packaging is art. Sadly, this kind of bento boxes cannot be found in London but simplified versions can be found in Japanese supermarkets (like Japan Centre ) and Japanese restaurants. Among all, Eat Tokyo‘s teriyaki chicken bento box is the best.

At lunch time, customers can order grilled mackerel, chicken katsu or port katsu takeaway bento boxes from Eat Tokyo though my favourite is the chicken teriyaki. It is amazing. I have craving for it nearly every other week. The cook to order chicken (a generous portion) was tender and succulent, served on a bed of hot and soft Japanese rice, complemented by a small salad (with its own dressing in a small bottle), a small miso soup and pickled vegetables. For £4.80, it was the best lunch bento box I have ever had in London. To eat-in, this meal would have cost over £7. The takeaway option is a bargain!

In my opinion, Eat Tokyo‘s bento boxes are far better than my old favourite from Japan Centre, which were not only not as fresh and tasty but also was smaller portion. Eat Tokyo is a tiny Japanese restaurant ‘hidden’ at Hillgate Street in Notting Hill. It has a small and subtle shopfront. As soon as I walk in the door, I am greeted by one of the waiter or the manager. I make the order and the chef starts to cook the meal. That is why it is better than any pre-packed bento boxes in most places. One draw back is that it might take a while for them to prepare the meal if it is busy. I can sit and wait at the restaurant for 10 – 15 minutes but I usually call, order and pick up later.